News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere: 12/8/2011

“I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly dreaming I am a man.” — Zhuangzi

This week’s edition of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere has playful paintings, reminiscing on lives in decline, portraits of female artists, dog spittle and the elaborate origin story of bananas.

Experimental art form or the discards of a ravenous forest animal? Not quite. Most pet owners will immediately recognize these disemboweled plush cadavers as the handiwork of a bored dog. Why is it always the eyes that have to go first? [Via Feature Shoot]

“All my life I knew I was loved and protected but it did not prepare me for life and what was ahead of me. The tragedies, the disappointments, the challenges and how to live with them were difficult.

“At 85, I think about life differently. I can look at my past life like watching an old silent film. I can’t change anything but I can remember and wonder and think about what if I was more prepared, stronger, wiser, more experienced. Then something inside of me says ‘forget it, try to enjoy the rest of your life.’

“That is what I am trying to do. I don’t want to waste precious days still ahead of me.”

We at Etsy try to be mindful of where our food originates. One fruit bowl staple that continues to perplex ethical eaters is the banana. The complex systems put in place to harvest and transport this tropical mainstay has been the subject of many a documentary — such as this silent promotional short, produced in 1935, which “zooms in on the banana industry, from virgin jungle being converted into banana plantations to the fifteen-month growth cycle between root planting and banana bunch to the shipment of the fruit into the American markets.”

Today’s banana industry is no less complicated. In fact, the dizzying methods of shipment, ripening and refrigeration are studied in a long-form piece on Edible Geography. Check it out. [Via Brain Pickings]

I cut the eyes and noses out of stuffed animals before giving them to the dogs. Not as much fun for them, but I discovered they were eating them and throwing them back up. I don't want a vet bill for intestinal blockage.

I wasn't going to take a look at this one but glad that I did.
Interesting about the bananas. I just recently moved from Hawaii where I lived for 4 years. I already miss being able to go out my back door and pick fresh bananas off the trees.

I loved that all the photos of artist were woman, woman who lived in a time where it was more difficult to pursue your passion. I'd like to take a moment to thank those woman for paving the way for me to pursue what makes me passionate anyway I like!

Love the Dufy paintings. I recently saw an exhibition at the High Museum in Atlanta that has some later Fauvist work which was extended to paper cut pieces to mimic Fauvist painting forms. Very interesting. Also, poor mutilated animals! (I did a similar project my first year of art school...) Great post! Love all your art posts.

I work with butterflies at the San Antonio Zoo.TX. Trust me - they have their own personalities depending on their country of origin. The ones from China are the most docile whereas the ones from South America are stubborn. I will pick them up off the path so as not to be stepped on - no, they go right back to the spot. However, early in the morning - before the bipeds(children) arrive - it is memerizing and so peacefull.

Regina Titus's words are so insightful; a lesson for each one of us! How many times have I felt "not enough" for something or just clumsy and naive? However, lately I have decided to make instead of think, to dare instead of fear. I might not always succeed, but at least I am doing something unique and always new with my days.

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@etsy: Let their imagination sail away to distant lands. Our choice vessels include @jdbmercantile's fun shadow puppets —they're perfect for cloud soaring, too. If you were on a magical sailboat, where would you go?